Human rights violations in maternity care disproportionately impact migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women and birthing people. This is a systemic issue that demands a systemic, rights-based response.
Many report being denied choice, dignity, and informed consent, particularly regarding where, how, and with whom they give birth. A representative of a community organisation and chair of her local Trust’s MNVP tells us:
“The home birth team at my local Trust recently told me that only white women choose this option.
Concerned by this, I looked into the issue and found that Black and Brown women, people seeking asylum, migrants, and others are often not informed about the option of home birth due to underlying assumptions and biases.
Even when the information is shared, there is rarely space for meaningful conversations about it. On top of that, many of these women feel uncertain about factors like unstable housing, which can further discourage them from considering home birth.”
These violations are compounded by intersecting systems of oppression. Migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women and birthing people often face barriers such as limited understanding of the UK healthcare system, unstable housing, and restricted access to support. The lack of timely, qualified interpretation services further undermines their bodily autonomy and safety, contributing to physical and psychological harm and limiting their ability to seek redress.
Experiences of past and ongoing trauma—including war, trafficking, domestic and state violence—are often intensified by coercive practices and the absence of trauma-informed, person-centred maternity care. Dispersal policies and unstable accommodation disrupt continuity of care, with some forced to give birth without adequate support. Meanwhile, fear of NHS charging deters many from accessing vital care. Attempts to seek support can result in harmful referrals to social services, deepening mistrust and blame rather than offering meaningful help.
To address these injustices, we must embed racial and reproductive justice at the heart of maternity care. The SAFE Maternity Care Act is a crucial step in upholding the right to choose where, how, and with whom to give birth, and in ensuring the state meets its obligation to provide safe, respectful, and accessible care for all.
Keep an eye out as we’ll soon be sharing a powerful conversation with a grassroots organisation leader about the realities and solutions for those most impacted.